They will be popping champagne in South Florida – and wherever old Dolphins gather – Sunday night.
The Buffalo Bills beat the Kansas City Chiefs 30-21 on Sunday to knock the two-time defending Super Bowl champions from the unbeaten ranks. For yet another season, the 1972 Dolphins (17-0) will remain the NFL’s only perfect champions.
For years, the members of the ’72 Dolphins have celebrated their undefeated legacy by drinking champagne once the last unbeaten team goes down.
On Sunday, Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka posted on X soon as the Bills-Chiefs game ended, along with a photo of Syracuse teammate Nick Kish and him holding glasses of champagne. “Congrats #buffalo bills With my Syracuse teammate Nick Kish who’s always been a #Buffalo fan. Tonight I am too.” Csonka added images of champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne.
Former Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie talked about that tradition during the Dolphins’ radio pre-game show before the kickoff against the Las Vegas Raiders amid speculation that the Bills could topple the Chiefs.
Of course, this year’s celebration will be a bit somber after the death of Mercury Morris in September. The former running back was as vocal as any of his teammates in defending the legacy of the only undefeated, championship-winning team in NFL history.